Ground Cover for coop question

[w8tn4fresheggs]

I have a coop that has a top (roost/nest area) with pine shavings. A below on the ground bottom area(3/4 is enclosed) with access to an outdoor run.

I moved the coop, put linoleum down on the ground and then put pine shaving on top. Placing the coop on top.

My son says I should have just put the pine shavings on the ground. Since the ground will be warmer in the winter and the linoleum will get cold and stay cold.

Anyone out there with any thoughts on this?

Will they be warmer on the ground with a layer of linoleum and pine shavings or just the ground and pine shavings?

My goal was to have the pine shaving help with keeping them warmer in our very cold winters. Trying to keep their feet directly off the ground.

I thought that I would put straw out on the run area when all the grass is gone also.

Thanks, Steph

 

[SeaChick]

Hmmm. I'd think that the linoleum would act as a little insulation and help keep the inside of the coop warm, rather than the other way around. But I'm not a builder so I don't really know. Are you talking about "real" linoleum (made from linseed oil I think) or vinyl flooring that's commonly called linoleum?

P.S. You might want to reconsider the straw, or at the very least watch your birds in it. Mine were fine, loved it, it was great in the run, but then we got a new hen and she was eating the straw... her crop got impacted and it's been a real struggle, I was afraid we were going to lose her. I am going to use dry leaves for a while at least because I don't want that to happen again!

 

[seminolewind]

I think if you put the shavings deep enough, the insulation will be good. They can burrow in a bit. Karen

 

[w8tn4fresheggs]

It is just regular bathroom/kitchen linoleum. I don't even know if I am spelling it right.

Thanks for the tip off about the straw. We have plenty of leaves around here to put in there. I just don't want it to be bare ground. Will try to keep it covered so that it doesn't get wet too. Otherwise I will remove and replace.

Thanks, Steph